PC Hardware in a Nutshell, 3rd Edition

Flat-Panel Displays

CRT monitors have been the dominant PC display technology since PCs were invented, but that is beginning to change. Flat-panel displays (FPDs) are coming on fast. CRTs still outsell FPDs in retail channels. But in the distribution channel—those bundled with new PCs—FPDs exceeded CRTs in popularity by late 2002. Considering the high cost and relatively poor image quality of entry-level FPDs—and bundled FPDs are nearly always entry-level models—we are amazed that FPDs have become so popular so quickly.

FPDs are now common on high-end corporate systems, although FPDs are unlikely to displace CRTs on mainstream systems anytime soon. The cost and other advantages of CRTs ensure that they’ll remain available for years to come, but the emphasis is definitely shifting to FPDs. During 2003 and 2004, we expect this trend to continue and indeed accelerate.